Property boom
1:51

Real Estate experts say Australians are changing the way we sell our homes - instead of waiting for the traditional peak seasons of Autumn and Spring, people are selling all year round

TEN

06 Jul 2014

News

KYLIE Mitchell’s passion for old homes resulted in a decision her parents thought was crazy.

Miss Mitchell said many people, including her parents, laughed at her when she bought a dilapidated flood-affected Rocklea home under the hammer for $195,000.

71 Sherwood Rd RockleaSource: Supplied

But the first-home buyer remains undeterred by the mockery and is determined to transform the 1950s house at 71 Sherwood Rd - which has been left vacant and untouched since the 2011 floods - into a perfect Queenslander.

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While graffiti is sprayed throughout the house, feature wallpaper, hardwood floors and intricate cornicing still remain in the three-bedroom home.

Kylie Mitchell plans to transform this old flood-affected home, after buying it under the hammer. Picture: Stuart Quinn.Source: News Limited

Despite years of neglect, the house is also still structurally sound and the plumbing and wiring is functional.

“My parents thought I was crazy to buy this home and everybody laughed at me,” Miss Mitchell said.

“But I like to fix things and I’d been looking for an older house to buy.

“I couldn’t believe the price of this home and it has so much potential and character.”

Miss Mitchell plans to firstly renovate the bathroom and install a back deck.

New owner Kylie Mitchell has big plans for her old home at Rocklea. Picture: Stuart QuinnSource: News Limited

She will later raise the home above flood level.

“It doesn’t worry me that the house is in a flood zone,” she said.

“I went into the auction with my eyes wide open and I knew Rocklea was a flood-effected area.

“I don’t plan to get flood insurance.

“I’m just really looking forward to moving into the home and getting started on the renovations.”

Country-bred Miss Mitchell said she was also keen to grow vegetables and buy chickens and other pets for the 759sq m block.

Belle Property Graceville sales agent Jeremy Conybeare said the home attracted plenty of attention from investors and renovators, with buyers such as Miss Mitchell willing to take the risk that floods won’t happen again in the near future.

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